Can’s Juventus gamble looking like big mistake

Midfielder Emre Can gambled on a new career direction this summer when he swapped Liverpool for Juventus, and it’s safe to say the German’s decision is yet to pay off.

The 24-year-old was a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s Reds team, but has evolved into a bit-part player since making the move to Turin.

There’s no shame in that, of course. Juventus are blessed with many wonderfully gifted midfielders, but you do wonder whether Can is regretting his decision somewhat as he struggles to get to grips with life in Italy.

The 6ft 1in midfielder [Source: Transfermarkt] has played just 10 games in all competitions for the Italian giants this term, and has completed 90 minutes on just one occasion.

So far he has played 447 minutes of first team action for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, which equates to 44.7 minutes a game – or less than a half of football.

He’s missed the last four games because of illness, but that doesn’t explain his inability to make an impact prior to that.

Can should be applauded for making a bold change in joining one of Europe’s top teams, but he might be realising that he was mistaken in thinking the grass was greener away from Anfield.

He was a vital player for the Reds, but has struggled to get game time in Italy. His path to the first team is blocked by numerous top players, with Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matudi, Sami Khedira and Rodrigo Bentancur all preventing him from enjoying a sustained run of games.

There’s time for his Juventus trajectory to improve, of course, but at this early stage it’s looking like the Germany international was a little hasty in rushing away from Merseyside.